Blue Borage Conversation Café: A Safe Space for Courageous Conversations

At Blue Borage, we are passionate about amplifying the voices of survivors who are courageously sharing their stories through their writing. We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Blue Borage Conversation Café, where we will invite survivor-authors we are connected with through our international advocacy alliances, to join us for live discussions about their books and their unique journeys from child victims to empowered creators.

Many of these incredible books were written as acts of self-love and empowerment, but they hold much more than personal healing—they carry valuable wisdom for all of us. Until now, there has been no dedicated space to discuss these works freely and openly with an audience. With today’s technology making global conversations possible, we’re excited to open the doors to these vital discussions via Zoom.

Our first series will focus on four remarkable survivor-authors: Alice Perle, Diane Tarantini, Jane Epstein, and Maria Socolof—if they will consider being our guests! Each of these brave women has authored memoirs that confront the reality of sibling sexual abuse, helping to break the silence and raise awareness internationally. These conversations will provide a unique opportunity to hear directly from these authors, ask questions, and explore the themes of their books in a supportive environment.

This space is for survivors, allies, and advocates who are committed to opening up dialogue about SSA, healing, disclosure, and empowerment. Whether you are just beginning your journey of healing or are a long-time advocate, these sessions will provide a safe, supportive space for sharing stories, asking questions, and inspiring others to take action—whether by writing, disclosing, or simply beginning the path to healing.

In keeping with the Conversation Café Agreements, the format will follow structured rounds to ensure that each participant has the opportunity to contribute respectfully. There is no pressure to talk, but conversation is really the key here if you dare. We also request that you submit questions in advance, allowing authors to address the topics that resonate with them most. The conversation will be guided and facilitated, adhering to time and topic boundaries, to ensure it is respectful and productive for everyone involved.

We will not be recording these sessions, and recording is not permitted. To ensure a safe, respectful environment, spaces will be limited. Video participation is encouraged unless privacy needs dictate otherwise, with full respect for participants and authors, especially those who have written under pen names.

The sessions will run for 50 minutes, with punctuality a key value—we start and end on time, respecting everyone’s emotional bandwidth. A participation fee of $40 per attendee covers pre- and post-event administration. If more than one person is attending from the same Zoom screen, each participant is required to register and pay via EventBrite. This is to ensure we create a conscious, safe space where everyone feels included and respected during the conversation.

To stay informed and ensure your spot in the next session, follow us on EventBrite and express your interest through our form. Once the first session is confirmed, we’ll notify you and invite you to submit any questions you’d like our guest authors to address during the event.

Join us in practising courageous conversations on a topic that has long been a universal taboo. It’s time we start saying the words out loud. Honestly, the camaraderie I’ve found in getting to know more survivors has been a gift I didn’t expect. Never in my earlier decades would I have imagined discussing child and sibling sexual abuse every day, but these conversations are exactly what will inspire change and empowerment.

Upcoming Events

Ready for Transformation?
If you’re seeking greater empowerment and the ability to live more intentionally, The Power of TED*®: A Personal Journey to Transform Your Life is the perfect first step. This four-session program introduces key principles designed to help you shift from reactive, drama-driven patterns to intentional, empowered living.

To celebrate the launch of Blue Borage’s website in October 2024, we felt it was a perfect opportunity to offer this introductory small-group program at a significantly reduced rate. It’s a special opportunity to start your journey with us and experience the transformative potential of TED*®.

This is a group program for a minimum of four participants—because the magic of TED* lies in conversation and connection! Gather four or more family members, friends, peers, or colleagues. Share the Information Leaflet and book your program to start whenever you’re ready!

This celebratory offer also coincided with our attendance at the Kids First Australia National Conference on CSA and HSB in October 2024. As exhibitors, we were excited to introduce our work to a broader community of educators, advocates, and change-makers.

Take the first step towards empowered, conscious living and join us on this transformative path.